Pulse timing stabilization of a mode-locked Cr:LiSAF laser

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Optical engineering

Background:

• Mode-locked lasers are crucial for precise timing applications.
• Stabilizing laser pulse repetition frequency is essential for synchronization.
• Cr:LiSAF lasers offer unique properties for ultrafast applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To stabilize the pulse repetition frequency of a mode-locked Cr:LiSAF laser to an electrical reference.
• To implement an electrical feedback technique for precise frequency control.
• To evaluate the timing jitter performance of the stabilized laser system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an electrical feedback technique to stabilize the laser's pulse repetition frequency.
• Employed a digital phase detector to monitor phase and frequency differences.
• Compared the performance against conventional double-balanced mixer techniques.

Main Results:

• Achieved stable synchronization of the mode-locked Cr:LiSAF laser to an electrical reference.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of the digital phase detector in overcoming conventional limitations.
• Obtained root-mean-square (rms) timing jitters of 20 fs (25 mHz-10 kHz) and 7 fs (25 mHz-1 kHz).

Conclusions:

• The electrical feedback technique successfully stabilized the Cr:LiSAF laser's pulse repetition frequency.
• Digital phase detection offers superior performance for laser stabilization.
• The achieved low timing jitter is suitable for advanced scientific and technological applications.